UK at risk of beer shortage over summer due to workers' strike at brewery

Drinkers have been warned to expect a 'lager drought' over the next few months as workers making Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons and Export Pale Ale step up industrial action over a pay dispute.

The GMB union announced employers at the Budweiser Brewing Group's Lancashire site, which brews these beers, have voted to down tools over a real terms pay cut.

A total of 225 of the union members working at BBG’s Samlesbury site, near Preston, will strike on a series of dates in June for the first time in its 50 year history.

Stephen Boden, GMB Organiser, said: "The last thing these workers want to do is jeopardise beer supplies just as the hot weather kicks in. But they’ve been pushed into this by bosses essentially slashing their wages during a cost of living crisis.

"Do they really except loyal workers to swallow a real terms pay cut? Anyone fancying a pint Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Boddingtons or Export Pale Ale strike could go thirsty this summer. But it’s not too late for bosses to listen to workers and offer a fair deal.”

The GMB union said after months of discussion with the brewer they tabled a full and final offer of three per cent increase for 2022 and three per cent for 2023 with increases in overtime rates.

But the union said the cost-of-living crises and inflation at 11.1 per cent, the offer amounts to a massive pay cut in real terms.

AB InBev, which owns Budweiser, has been contacted for comment, but have stayed silent in response to claims this action could have a knock-on effect on beer availability.

The move follows union members at the brewery beginning an overtime ban in May last year.

Speaking at the time, Mr Boden said: "This industrial action is a result of Budweiser brewing group's management making a frankly insulting pay offer. They are choosing to ignore workers and put profit before people with this derisory pay offer."

A spokesperson from Budweiser Brewing Group previously said that the company was offering a competitive package "in the 90th percentile for total compensation - with benefits that include private medical cover and bonuses".

The spokesperson added: "We've made significant investments in Samlesbury which have resulted in further innovation and automation, additional skills development, promotions and many new job opportunities. Over recent years we have increased our headcount by over 65."